![\"2025-SBCC-Eventbrite-Header-(2160-x-1200-px).png\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2025-SBCC-Eventbrite-Header-(2160-x-1200-px).png\")
<\/p>\nFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2025<\/p>\n
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Small Business Conference Connecting Austin Area Entrepreneurs to Opportunities<\/p>\n
AUSTIN, Texas \u2014 Central Texas entrepreneurs will have a front-row seat to opportunity at the 2025 Small Business Connections Conference, set for Wednesday, August 27 at the Palmer Events Center\u00a0
from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
Hosted by the City of Austin\u2019s Small and Minority Business Resources Department (SMBR) in partnership with the Economic Development and Financial Services departments, the now third annual conference aims to help small, local and underserved businesses access the tools and relationships they need to succeed in the City\u2019s contracting and procurement ecosystem.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s theme, \u201cConnecting Your Business to Austin\u2019s Future,\u201d reflects a growing commitment to economic inclusion as Austin prepares for $25 billion of infrastructure investment over the next decade.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe conference represents a significant investment in the continued growth and sustainability of our area\u2019s small and certified business community,\u201d said Edward Campos, director of SMBR. \u201cConnecting underserved businesses with resources, knowledge and information to do business, contributes to our community\u2019s long-term success and equitable growth.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the conference, attendees will hear directly from City leaders about the procurement outlook for 2025 and beyond. Key updates will be shared on high-profile capital projects, including the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) expansion, the Austin Convention Center Redevelopment, Capital Metro\u2019s Project Connect as well as several other initiatives managed by Capital Delivery Services.<\/p>\n
\u201cSmall businesses are the foundation of Austin\u2019s identity and the driving engine of both today and our future,\u201d explains Anthony Segura, Interim Director of the Economic Development Department. \u201cThis conference is more than a networking event. It\u2019s a launchpad for local entrepreneurs to rise, lead, and leave their mark on the fabric of our city. By breaking down barriers to opportunity and opening doors to meaningful connections with the City, we\u2019re not just investing in business, we\u2019re investing in people, neighborhoods, and Austin\u2019s inclusive growth for generations to come.<\/p>\n
The event also features:<\/p>\n
A City Connections Exhibitor Show, where attendees can speak with procurement and project staff from City departments, County and State agencies, and regional organizations.Opportunities to meet prime contractors currently working on major infrastructure and vertical construction projects in Austin.Workshops focused on vendor registration, small business certification, commodity codes, and understanding \u201cWhat Austin Buys.\u201d<\/p>\n
For many attendees, the conference represents an on-ramp to more formal participation in government contracting. Business owners can speak with City staff onsite to begin the certification and vendor registration process and find tailored support from technical assistance providers.<\/p>\n
\u201cSupporting small businesses through the City\u2019s procurement process isn\u2019t just good policy \u2013 it\u2019s how we invest in our community, grow our local economy, and make sure public dollars create lasting impact right here at home, \u201csaid James Scarboro, Financial Services Department Chief Procurement Officer. \u201cThis event will help businesses gain insight into the procurement process, build meaningful connections, and discover real opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n
The conference is no cost and open to the public. Attendees can register online at https:\/\/bit.ly\/sbcc2025<\/a>.<\/p>\n